This year is the 100-year anniversary of our National Park Service. Evanston has public parks and none are more used than the Lighthouse Landing complex.
In contrast, the Harley Clarke Mansion sits empty, unused and in need of restoration and repurposing. Several groups of architects, builders and trades toured the building at an Open House last month.
The house and grounds were purchased by the city in 1965 to create the park and secure access to the beach. Now, 50 years later, the park is unique because it sits at the intersection of four ecosystems: lake, beach, dunes and gardens (designed by the famed Jens Jensen).
Our group formed to create an adaptive reuse plan for the building including a self-sustaining revenue plan. This group, Evanston Lake House & Gardens, wants to create an inspiring place that enhances educational, recreational and cultural tourism opportunities in our city. Our plan has the following elements: Restore and repurpose the building; commit to socially and economically inclusive programs for all residents; keep the building and Jens Jensen gardens open to the public; provide environmental education, outdoor recreation, cultural tourism and community meeting space; and make the building available for events and meetings of local groups.
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At its Sept. 12 meeting, the City Council will consider allocating funds in the fiscal year 2017 budget to bring the building up to code and allow the Parks and Recreation Department and other interested groups to use the building. This is a positive step.
Evanston’s parks are our most democratic spaces. The Harley Clarke house and its grounds are the inheritance of all Evanstonians and should remain so for future generations. Our group has a plan to enhance and sustain that inheritance. You can help. Please call or email your local representative and let them know you support these efforts.
For more information, visit www.evanstonlakehouse.org.
Emily Guthrie, Patrick Donnelly, John Walsh, Tom Hodgman, Jeff Smith, Alex Block, Ben Lumpkin
Evanston Lake House and Gardens